Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 32
Kṛṣṇa Teases Rukmiṇī; Her Devotional Reply and the Lord’s Assurance
श्रीशुक उवाच सैवं भगवता राजन् वैदर्भी परिसान्त्विता । ज्ञात्वा तत्परिहासोक्तिं प्रियत्यागभयं जहौ ॥ ३२ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca saivaṁ bhagavatā rājan vaidarbhī parisāntvitā jñātvā tat-parihāsoktiṁ priya-tyāga-bhayaṁ jahau
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: O King, Queen Vaidarbhī was fully pacified by the Bhagavān and understood that His words were spoken in jest. Thus she gave up her fear that her beloved would reject her.
FAQs
In this verse, Śukadeva explains that Kṛṣṇa’s words were playful (parihāsa), and when Rukmiṇī understood this, her fear vanished—showing that the Lord’s apparent teasing can deepen a devotee’s dependence and trust.
Within the narrative, Kṛṣṇa spoke in a teasing manner, and Rukmiṇī—being intensely devoted—momentarily took it seriously; once reassured and realizing it was jest, she gave up the fear of separation.
When devotion faces doubt or insecurity, this verse advises seeking the Lord’s reassurance through śāstra, prayer, and remembrance—recognizing that temporary emotional turbulence can be resolved by deeper trust in Kṛṣṇa’s protection.